*dusts off the cobwebs* I'm still alive!

By the way, I did an interview with KVEC the day we arrived. Much of what we went through on the way out was described on the interview. Click here: http://savefile.com/files/1224794

Danielle and I are now safetly at the Berk's home. The apartment is safe. Rita didn't damage Houston. I'll explain everything later. Tonight we're going to rest and decide when we want to setup the apartment tomorrow.

Yesterday I said to Danielle: "This April I'm going to give you the best wedding anniversary you've ever had!" I'm not proud of it, but that's what I said. If you don't get it, Danielle and I got married this April. So, silliness.

It's been too long since I've posted something. Danielle is still working with Jill. Things are going pretty well although she feels frustrating at times. I haven't gotten fired from my job either, so that's good. Actually, we recently purchased two new workstations and two new digital cameras. We also purchased a DVD duplicator/printer, camera bags, mics, and lots of other stuff. I'll be using this to train people and produce more videos. I am nervous about getting the process started, though. I need to get my volunteer resources more organized so I know who I have available and when. I also need to know what they know so I can train them appropriatley. It looks like they will be moving our offices to the new building sometime in October. Either that or they'll find some office space close by the church. That will be exciting stuff. The next few weeks or so I need to focus on finishing a video for the men's ministry and focus on preparing for this new equipment and these new people. I know how to work with interns and train, but working with volunteers will be alot different. Clay came to visit us Monday and Tuesday. He had a layover from his flight to Florida from California so he had his travel person extend the layover. We had a great time. We went to the gym, got some food and a bunch of fun stuff. It was great to see Clay and to hear that he's doing well. Danielle and I are doing really really well. I feel like I'm doing a good job of not working late and she's doing a great job of supporting me. At Action House I would work really long days, but I can't afford to do that anymore now that I'm married. I'm totally ok with that because I'd rather be spending time with her, anyway. We have developed some good friendships with people in Houston, too. We're going to have dinner with Jennifer and her fiance Justin tonight. We've started hanging out with them in Friday nights now. We also see Jon alot. We hang out with him about every week or every other week. He's been kind of busy latley but I know we'll hang with him soon. Work is going pretty well. I produced seven videos for the youth group during this month. Seven videos! It's been crazy. Things will slow down for me, though. I have to make them slow down. I have to focus on other aspects of the Media department besides producing videos for the youth group. It doesn't help that they are going to start a weekend service as well now. That means they will have services on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday. When we have the new computers and stuff I totally plan on training people to produce videos for youth at least twice a month. We'll pump more out as more people and equipment become available. Danielle and I have joined 24 hours fitness gyms. We started last week and we're doing really well. We work out Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. When we signed up I asked to work with a personal trainer since I don't know what I'm doing. After our first sessions my arms hurt for two days. It was nuts. I know that I have to start where I am and I'll get better as time goes on. I'm eating a 1,600 calorie diet and doing great at it. I really am glad that I'm able to adapt so easily to things without too much fuss. That's about it for now.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8565629/ New building! We can only go up from here!

It has been while since I've written anything and alot has happened. Danielle and I are doing really well. We will celebrate our 3 month anniversary in two days! My God how the time flys! Last night we had dinner with Paul and Jennifer from church. They were asking us how things were going and what problems we've run into. It was a really good feeling to tell them that we were doing really well and there hasn't been much that's come up. Of course there are the occasional flare ups or head butts, but it's been nothing we can't talk about later or resolve somehow. Danielle really is more amazing than I could have ever imagined. She is so much more than I deserve. I really appreciate how she is patient with me and belives in me so strongly. I really feel like I can do anything because of her. The best thing is that we have a good time together. Yesterday, after dinner, we walked around the nearby mall. While we were in some cooking store we started dancing to the music together. It was awesome. A really awesome thing happened recently. Danielle got a job! She'll work this Thursday and Friday to get herself acquainted, then she'll work Monday - Wednesday. She'll be working for a lady by the name of Jill Reno (http://www.jillrenocollection.com). Jill is a jewler who designs for mostly celebrities. The amazing thing is she is a Christian and hires Christian women to work for her! I've talked with her on the phone and she's an cool lady. It's the perfect blend of creativity and work for Danielle. We might even end up doing product photography for her. Work is going very well. I'm in the process of putting together a proposal for an equipment order. It's my first big purchase so I'm a little nervous. Danielle and I are still living in the apartment, but would like to get a townhome or condo sometime. I don't think it's a good idea to rent, personally. It's a waste of money. More later.

Will blog soon. Dreading the 800+ mile trip! AHH! It'll be good.

So much has happened! I'm married, still living in Texas and... married! I'll explain.. I flew out to California on April 13th. Danielle and Mom greeted me at the airport. Danielle was wearing these awesome very "Los Angeles" glasses and looked amazing. I was so nervous coming off the plane, but I was also so excited to see her. I was really glad Mom was able to drive us so we could spend some time together. I knew the next couple of days were going to be nuts. The next day we met up with Danielle's Dad. He took us in his van and drove us all around the Central Coast doing this that and the other. We got our marriage license, talked with the photographer, had lunch with him and met with Chris. I'm sure we did other things, but that's what I remember. After we met with Chris for our pre-marital counsling (which went very well), we headed off to Mom's house for dinner with everyone. Danielle's whole family was there, Clay (my best man) showed up and we had a great time. Just as Clay and Latecia (our friend who Danielle stayed with and co-ordinated the wedding) showed up Clay and I took of to the bachelor party. I hung out with my groomsmen, Jeff, Chris, Justin, and Clay at Jeff's house. We played poker and had a great time. Everyone arrived home safetly and it was totally fun. The 15th we arrived at Camp San Luis to setup for the wedding. This was the most stressful day. Thankfully we had Action House interns and staff there to help us out. There must have been at least 20 people there from Action House to help us. Danielle's whole family was there, my Mom helped, the Berk's show up and Justin helped out as well. We spent the afternoon setting up and moving tables and chairs. We then re-setup and moved them all again and again until we got it right. We place napkins, cups, plates, silverware, candles and a whole lot more as well. Finally, we moved to the chapel. A smaller number of people helped in the chapel, which was good since it would have been chaos with everyone. Danielle did an amazing job setting up the chapel. She arranged the candles in such a way that blew my socks off (and everyone at the wedding, too). We finished just in time for Chris to arrive for rehersal. Chris was my youth pastor from back in the day. I also want to mention that Latecia was amazing through the whole process. She was so kind and understanding as all the craziness was going on. She did such an amazing job. The rehersal went very well. Everyone was really patient and it went smoothly My Dad and Becki showed up all the way from Santa Maria and I really appreciated that. It was great to see all my groomsmen there and to hang out with them. After the rehersal we all went to Player's Restaurant in Atascadero for the rehersal dinner. Danielle and I didn't show up until a little later because we had some transportation situations at the camp. When we did arrive everyone gave us a warm welcome. Danielle didn't feel very well after such a stressful day so we got her out of there pretty quickly. Before we left, Danielle's parents gave us some presents. They gave me a picture frame so we could put wedding pictures in my office. Danielle's Grandmother gave Danielle her wedding ring set from when she was married. Danielle was so suprised and it was really touching. Her Grandmother was so sweet. I made sure we thanked everyone for coming out to help. One last thing about the 15th, Glen at Player's totally hooked us up. We had the rehersal dinner and he gave us free pitchers of soda. He even laid out cheese plates and extras we didn't even ask for! Not only that, but he gave us an amazing rate for the food at the wedding. Glen really treated us well. The next day was the wedding. I'll write about that tomorrow. Until then, everything is going very well. We are getting settled still and I think it's going well. I'm so glad and blessed to have met Danielle. I'm glad I'll be spending the rest of my life falling futher in love with her. More later.

Will post tomorrow (05/06/05)

Now that I'm thinking about it

I was just reading over an old post. Here's an quick work update: I have completed the following videos for the church: Volunteer Video 1 Volunteer Video 2 Kid's Life Chef Animation LSM Opener/Countdown Love Languages Video Koinonia Love Languages video I have shot these videos and am waiting to edit them: Angel Food Ministry Outreach Men's Ministry Graduation I went on the Joel Osteen tour to the following cities: Dallas, Texas Charolette, North Carolina I will not be going on any more tours at this point. I had a meeting last week about the current state of "In House Media". In that metting we decided that I needed to start equipping volunteers to help out. I am currently looking at buying 5 editing stations, 3 new cameras and all the software/equipment that goes along with that. It might cost around $30,000 depending on a few choices. This is an AWESOME thing because it will start the ball rolling in teaching volunteers and duplicating myself. I found a honeymoon for Danielle and I. We will be going on a cruise from Long Beach, to Catalina, to Ensenada, then back to Long Beach. This is a great thing because on the cruise we can do everything or nothing. Today we had a ministry fair at the church and they were showing three of the videos I finished. It was such a weird feeling to see the videos playing all over the room. I'm working with the Portico media team right now. Mike is my main guy for that. He and Harold did a shoot on Saturday for me and that allowed me to move into my new apartment. It was a great feeling that I could send these guys out to do a shoot. Great feeling.

Six days and counting...

I am less than one week away from beginning my life with Danielle and I couldn't be happier, or more anxious. Everything (that I'm aware of) has come together really well so far. I have the tickets for our cruise and air travel, the hotel is taken care of, Action House interns have a place to stay, invitations have been out and RSVP's turned (almost..). It's funny how things have come about for the wedding. I've heard horror stories from numerous people and stories of how things just worked out. So far it's been more working out than horror for us. There have been times where things didn't happen as quickly or in the order they should have, but they've come together. I know that there will probbably be some people that will have a hard time getting through the gate, and some will arrive late or not at all. My hope is that our "support team" for the wedding will allow things to happen around us, but won't let them influence us. Latecia has a pretty steady head and a nack for logically figuring out problems, Clay is a "can do" kind of guy, my Mom has done tons of weddings, and my Dad knows how to keep cool under stressful situations. Other people will be around to help, but these people I am relying on. I just want Danielle to be in a nice little bubble for the day. I don't want her to know if life is blowing up around us. All that matters is that at the end of the day, we'll be married. Little things are killing me right now. I have to get gifts for my groomsmen, taxes, finishing moving, rides to the airport, finishing work stuff. Thankfully I got a haircut and some clothes for the cruise today. I was also able to get my car registered. Things are begging to be a little financially draining too. My car has been broken into twice in the same month, registration for the car was a little expensive, taxes are going to cost some cash, spending money for the cruise, not to mention the cost of the cruise itself. I know that God will take care of us. I've never been in want or need. That's the most amazing thing. God has been so faithful to Danielle and I. He's also always been faithful to my family. We've been through so much it seems and God has protected us from so much. I'm really looking forward to getting to know Danielle even more and staring our lives together. I know that we will go through hard times but I also know that we have good communciation and that we respect each other. It's frustrating that in the beginning there are going to be start up things to take care of. Things like furniture, pots, pans, clothes, drapes, cleaning supplies, etc..

I don't know what to expect or what living and being married to Danielle is going to look like. I don't know how our marriage will be. I don't have any idea what marriage is! I've never lived with someone in this kind of situation before. I will be with her through better or worse, sickness, health, wealth or poverty until death seperates us. It's not that these ideas scare me, on the contrary I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life with anyone else, it's just that I know we're both going to have to grow and learn, alot.

Will post soon. Too busy now.

Tonight I directed video at Lakewood for the "Veggie Tales Spectacular". There were over 8,000 people that attended. We ran four cameras, powerpoint and video playbacks. Thank fully I had a powerpoint person and a video playback person. I really do love doing live events. It's crazy how you're sitting there preparing they just start! Before you know it you're flying through the program. I also met Mike Nawroki, the founder of "Big Idea". Big Idea is the name of the company that created the Veggie Tales videos. I talked with Mike for a while during a video and came to find out he's a great guy. I've watched Veggie Tales since I was a kid and I love 'em :). Overall the night was a huge success. Everything went really smoothly and Jon told me I did "A great job". I'm going to go look at the last apartment complex tomorrow. I visitied one on Thursday and was pretty happy with the apartment itself, but not with the area. If the others ones are in a better area I'll pay the extra money to go there. After that I'm going to figure out the honeymoon and finalize details with my best man and other groomsmen. I just can't wait to be with Danielle. As I was laying in bed the other night thinking I realized that I'm ready to be married to her. It's not like I wasn't ready before, I just mean that I know that I know it's right and the she's right. I know that whatever we go through she'll be by my side.

I lived in Los Angeles for a total for two years. Nothing ever happened to me or any of my stuff. Monday at 12:30 am we (the Berks and I) pulled up to the house to see my car being broken in to. They didn't get anything of mine but they did get a laptop that belonged to the church. I put it in the car so I wouldn't forget it the next morning. They didn't break into the car for the laptop in the first place, they were going for the stereo. Thankfully we go their license plate #. I haven't heard anything so far about the investigation but hopefully I'll know soon. The wedding is in on month and eight days. I have to figure out honeymoon stuff asap. I hope I can find something nice for Danielle and I. I just want to be with her. I was asked to direct the big Veggie Tales night coming up at the church. I'll be the "Director of Video" for the evening. That means I'll be switching and running all video stuff. It sounds like the sanctuary will be packed out. I think it holds around 3,000 people. I could be wrong. It might be more. I haven't heard anything about going on more tours with the Joel Osteen Ministries tour. I do know that I don't want to get up at 5 am again after working all night. That was lame. I'm pretty close to finishing an animation for the Kids ministry at the church. I'm also getting a good idea for the LSM opener video. I'm just frustrated that I don't get things done faster or better (in my opinon). I know years down the road it'll look alot different but for now it's frustrating. I hope I don't have to pay for the laptop that got stolen. They guys at Lakewood told me today that it costs around $2,500. We'll see what happens. Until then, I'm going to call my insurance agency and up the coverage on my car. I wish Danielle was here. I just know that things would be easier if she was around while I was going through all this crap. She's going through crap of her own right now, though. She has to find a way to transport her stuff into Latecias house. It sounds like Action House is going to help out, but we'll see. I also have to think about how we're going to get her stuff out here once we move in to the apartment. Gah!

I don't know why but sometimes I don't think that I'm a very good person. Actually, when I think about it I'm just not living a simple life. I was just watching Forest Gump and it's the picture of a simple man who lives a simple life. For some strange reason because he's so simple and so singular in his purpouses this makes him seem like a good man living a simple life. I think I feel this way sometimes because my life seems complicated to me. My life is probbably complicated because I make it that way. What I need is more singularity and less complication. No, that's wrong. I need more focus. Life isn't complicated. It's like a those little glass balls with facets all over it. When a single shaft of light hits the ball it shoots out all over the place. Not only that, but it's intensity is broken down. I need to loose the ball. Part of the reason I'm losing focus is because the things that are important in my life aren't always the things that are the most "fun" for me. But that's not the reason either. Self control and discipline. I'm struggling with these two things right now. I also recognize that I'm struggling with these things which means I'm not going to stay the way I am. That's just how I am. At the same time God is in the midst of it all. He sees me wake up, flop about my day and finally lay my head down to sleep. I can't do it all on my own. I can't change as much as I want to just by me wanting to. There's the element in my life that requires divine intervention. I'll see where I am a year from now. Danielle left on Wednesday. When she was here it was the best two weeks of my life. I love that girl. There are so many things about her that I love. I know that when I get sick she'll take care of me. When I'm weak she'll make me feel strong. When I'm tired she'll help my lie my head down. She treats me better than anyone I know. When she was here we cooked together, went to work together, we had a good 'ol time. The next time I see her we'll be getting married. I'll be coming out to California around April 13 and we'll get married on the 16th. We'll move into an apartment for a little while then look for a condo.

Danielle and I have been looking at condos the past couple of days. What we've decided to do is rent a place for six or so months and take our time looking at a place to buy. We don't want to rush into anything and I definitely don't want to make a decision of that scale while she is out in California. I'll be happy just to be with her finally. It's been wonderfully having Danielle out these past (almost) two weeks. The time really has flown by. She really doesn't want to leave and I don't want her to leave either. It's strange that the next time I'll see her is on our wedding day. Crazy. Today we had lunch with Paul and Jennifer Osteen. We talked to them about marriage and other things. Paul and Jen have a wonderful marriage and we wanted to ask them about how they make thing work with church and home life. They provided some really valuable insight. Tomorrow we'll meet up with Scott and his wife after the church volunteer meeting. At the meeting they'll be showing the video Wendell and I have been working on for the past two weeks. I'm pretty darn happy with it. I think it gets the message across well. Danielle is also going shopping with Clayton's wife tomorrow afternoon, so that should be fun for her. Everyone has loved Danielle, of course. I know that we're going to have a great time developing new friendships. I can't wait to cook, hang out, find new restaurants, places to go, and other fun stuff with my best friend. We will get lost of course, but that's just our way.

Danielle arrived a few days ago. I was waiting at the gate exit for her with an orchid in my little hand. I had a bit of a moment when she came through the gate. I haven't seen her in a little more than a month so when she came through the gate she was at such a distance I couldn't tell if it was her. She didn't rush to me, as I expected her to, so I wasn't sure it was her. The cool thing is I was thinking 'Man, I hope that's her because if it isn't I'm going to feel really guilty for checking some random girl out.' I was totally checking her out as she was walking up thinking 'Oh man I hope that's her because that girl is HOT.' What an amazing feeling to see the cutest girl walking out of the gate give you a huge hug and tell you that she loves you. She is truly the most beautiful girl I know. The past couple of days have been so nice. Danielle has gone with me to work and been introduced to my fellow Lakewood staff members. She's sat with me while I was working and has even helped me with a few events. The girl learns fast, too! This Satruday we are hoping to go see some homes with Karen, our Real Estate agent. Tomorrow is Valentines Day and according to weather.com it looks like it'll be really nice in Houston. I'm going to cook Danielle dinner :). It's just been so nice to have her around me again. God continues to confirm that our relationship was meant to be.

Tomorrow Danielle arrives off of her dainty plane in rainy Houston, Texas. I can't wait to see her. I have something planned and I hope I can get it done in time tomorrow. I don't really have much of a plan for when she is visiting, I just want to spend time with her. One thing I'm concerned about is balancing my new job and being with Danielle. This will be a great opprotunity to see how we do. I'm commited to making sure I spend plenty of time with my bride to be no matter what. I'm not going to overwork myself. I'm going to make time for that which is important, my family (or at least my wife :) ). Weird, wife. It's a strange concept for me right now but I like it. Jon suggested a couple of cool things to do while Danielle is in town tonight. We went to Cafe Express then to Amy's ice cream. Jon claims it's the greatest ice cream in the United States. I do have to say it was pretty darn good :). I was going to rent a limo to pick Danielle up at the airport but I realized she would probbably be more upset that I spent the money than happy that I did it :). I like that about her. Thank God she understands how to manage finances well or we'd be in trouble. I am the royal loser of financial planning and responsibility. I just think "Oh boy! My magic card works!" I just hope I don't get lost on the way to the airport.

The past couple of weeks have been busy :). I've got everything setup in my office. I've even completed the first video! Paul Osteen is doing a sermon on "The Love Languages" (if you don't know what these are find out.. it's awesome). He wanted a "man on the street" type interview video asking people about their love languages. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. David and Paul have watched it and I've been told they're very happy with it. A project that is coming up is the volunteers video for the big volunteer push the church is doing. Wendell has put together a really nice script that I think will bring the message about really clearly. I'm really looking forward to doing this video because I'll have a chance to plan it out and do it right. I'm also a little nervous because some things will be new to me, but God is stretching me. I'm beginning to step into more of a producer role in some of the ministries. It looks like my job is becoming more along the lines of "Producer, In House Media Productions". It's more like I'm not only doing video but I'm also directing and supervising the production of events. This is awesome because I have a real heart for doing things like that. I really enjoy producing and directing events. I've come up with some ideas on how to improve the events that a currently going on at the church and I hope to implement them soon. I've met some friends and I'm still impressed at how genuinly kind everyone at the church is. Tomorrow I'll be going to a Superbowl party at Tom's house. Tom does all the lighting for the main service at the church. There is going to be a bunch of media guys there so we should have a good time. Danielle comes to visit in four days! I'm going nuts! I can't wait to see her. I'm thinking of something special for the airport, but I can't say what yet. Her Dad and I are working on getting her a hotel room for the two weeks she'll be out. I can't wait to introduce her to everyone at the church. I know they are going to love her. I also know there are a ton of ways she can get plugged into what is going on at the church. I ran into Dakri tonight at the service and talked with him about how she sings. Dakri is one of the music leaders at the church. He asked me if she is good sing on a Sunday service. I told him I think she is. I totally think she. Danielle is so talented and amazing.. We're going to have a great time when she's out. God has been so good to me.

I unpacked a bunch of equipment that has arrived yesterday. The camera is here, which is good. It was bitter sweet because I had gone paintballing on Saturday and my legs feel like firey death! I'm SOO sore. I unpacked the camera, tripod, light kit (SWEET), monitor, dv deck, speaker, keyboard/mouse, and other stuff not so crucial. It's amazing that I have my own area to edit in. By the end of this week I should be all setup and ready to fully go. I'm amazed. It's funny how I've forgotten little things to purchase like tape stock and batteries. It's all good, though. Those are just small startup items. Now I'm going to focus on the projects ahead and putting teams together. I've gotten a few inquiries about working with me in the In House Media Services dept. I'm thinking of putting together some kind of meeting once I have enough people who are interested around. I plan on doing quite a bit for Portico, the college age group. They need some work on their media and production side of things. We'll see how that goes. In the mean time it'll be great to get some projects going. I'm excited to see what God is going to use me for. Danielle visits in a little under two weeks. I can't wait to rush to the airport to pick her up. I'm going to be just crazy happy. I ordered a book the my old youth pastor Chris suggested we go through together for some pre-maritial counseling. I'm really excited about doing that with Danielle. I have to figure out what to do for Valentines day. It's the first big one and I know it's got to be special. I'd be happy just doing anything with her, but I want to make it special. I can't wait to go paintballing with Danielle :).

What an awesome day today! The Ikegami monitor and XLR cables came in. Jon also called me over to his office. At first I was nervous because I got that feeling of "Oh God, I know I haven't done anything wrong.. but... did I do anything wrong?!" Thankfully it was a very good thing. He asked me if I could go on a a shoot with them tomorrow. I thought about it for a little while.. threw the idea around and said yes before he finished asking :). Not really, but I jumped at the chance. We'll be conducting an interview with some professional sports guy. I'll be running the second camera while Schwa will be running the main camera. At least, that's what it looks like. We'll be leaving in the early afternoon, grabbing lunch then shooting the interview. I'm really really looking forward to it. At the same time I'm sad. My office will be ready on Friday but that means I'll be moving out of my little cubicle. I'll be moving away from the friends I've made in the "Rome" room on the second floor. It's cool because I'm around the staff and ministry leaders. They're good people. When I'm over in the other room I'll be pretty much alone. I'm thinking now I could still use the cubicle and only use the other room for my editing and such. That would be awesome. I know I'll be spending a majority of time editing, but not all of my time. We'll see what happens. On another note, I got my first check from Lakewood today. The budgeting begins. I have to find car insurance and set money aside for the future. I bought groceries tonight, which was cool. I'm going to do my best to save as much money as I can. Chris suggested a book for Danielle and I to go through with him for pre marital counseling. I'm really looking forward to discovering new things about our relationship. I just found out that she likes to play paintball! Freakin' sweeeeeet! I talk with Danielle almost every night and I really enjoy hearing her voice. Just listening to her helps calm me down at the end of the day. There's time when we're talking about tough stuff and I get frustrated or bugged, but the great thing is that when we talk about tough subjects we talk respectfully with eachother. We don't yell or try to heart eachother. We just talk and listen as much as we can. It's pretty cool :). I'm going paintballing this Saturday. I haven't gone in a long time and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm probbably going to only rent equipment this time. I'll probbably buy some later on. I think paintball is a pretty good sport to take up. Good times.

This is my girl: I love 'er. I miss 'er. I wish she was with me right here right now. I'm still looking at condos, but my Dad has got me thinking about renting, too. The thing about renting for me is that I just see it as throwing money away. It's not really going anywhere, or doing anything. I do understand the wisdom in not buying until I'm sure it's where I want to be for a long time. Descions like this also freak the crap outta me. I get nervous just thinking about buying a new pair of shoes. I mean, to me it seems like a descion that is suppoused to last me a while. It's not like buying Coke or... well, let's face it there's nothing that really tops Coke. Regardless, it's something to think about. I've come across one or two really good condos and it's definatley a little hard wondering if they'll stay on the market or not. Thankfully I'm working with a great real estate agent. Danielle visits in February, which isn't coming fast enough. I've been spending the past few weekends at Steve and Gracie Berk's house. This weekend I'm going to buy some food and cook dinner for everyone. The Berks are really great people. They both work for airline companies. Steve said he could help Danielle and I out with plane tickets for the wedding. Wendell and I met with David about media needs for the "Married Life" ministry. February 11th they have an event and they'd like some video for it. So, we'll do some "man on the street" interviews at the church and cut the thing together for the event. I'm still waiting for all of my equipment to come in, so we'll see what happens when everything comes together. We also recieved a video request from the Children's ministry for video of Childrens lessons. They want video for March, April and May. So, we'll meet with Craig and see what that's all about.

Yay! Excitment! Today I did my first "project". Granted, it only took two minutes, but I did it! Dr. Paul needed the chorus of a song burned to a CD for the intro to his message. So, Wendell and I did it. On another note I got the Lectrosonics wireless kit and SM87A mic today. The Arri kit is on backorder, so I'm waiting for that still. Everything else should arrive later this week or next week. It was great to get on a project and get it done. I know it was small but I was suprised at how excited I got. I can't wait to get my hands on other stuff.

The hunt for car insurance begins. I have until February 25th to find a new insurance company or find out if I can afford to stay with Geico. On another note my equipment should be arriving next week. When all of my equipment arrives I'll be moving into my office in the Children's Ministry building. I was given my Lakewood Laptop today. The supplied me with at Dell Latitude D800. It works well for my office work. I can't wait for my equipment to arrive so I can get going! At the same time I'm trying to plan ahead for the work I'll be doing. It's a tough process since I haven't done much work that requires pre-planning like this. I'll be learning alot of new things with this job. I'm going to try and develop a five year plan. I'll also have to learn to deal with a budget. All new and exciting stuff. I'm hoping to meet up with the real estate agent I'm working with on Saturday to talk about homes and look at a few if possible. It hit me the other day that I might actually buy a home. I'm also still open to the idea of renting and saving up for a home. Waiting for my paycheck is driving me nuts. I am so pissed that I wasn't able to put much if any money away while I was working in LA. It's made things kind of tough, but I'm not broke, so that's good. God has always been faithful to provide me with everything I need.

I have been in Houston for one week. Everyone asks me "how do you like it so far" and so far, I like it :). I've enjoyed getting lost going various places and finding my way back around. I've met some wonderful people and had some good food. Yesterday I went to the Sunday service for the second time. I was really moved when Joel invited the ambassador of Malaysia and the Texas senator up to the front. He talked about how many people died and he began to weep. He prayed for the people that were effected by the Tsunami then everyone sat down. I enjoyed the service and was really encouraged by the message. After the service I met up with John to watch him do a shoot for Joel's book "Your Best Life Now". He was interviewing people about what they thought of the book. It was a good shoot. They had an Arri HMI as well as a few scrims and bounce cards. They were shooting on Digi Beta, too. After the shoot I followed John up to the switching room to watch him direct the video for the service. I learn so much each time I go up there. Earlier in the the week I met up with John, Dakri, Brian, and Schwa to see "The Polar Express" at the 3d IMax. If you haven't had a chance to see this, you must leave your seat now and go find the nearest one. What an awesome experience. After that John took Brian and I to Red Robin for a "bite to eat". What the heck does that mean, anyway? Now it's Monday and I start the week all over again! I've allready got a few projects to work on so I'll see how that goes. Danielle is coming in February and I can't wait to see her. It seems like these few months are going to creep by. I can't wait to marry her.

Yesterday was my first semi-day off. By that I mean, I spent some of the day out and out about then the other part of the day working at home. As is my tradtion, I determined to find a destination and got lost very quickly. I asked the nice ladies at the apartment information desk how to find a J.C. Pennys, they told me and I messed everything up. I ended up at Memorial Park with my new "Key Book" from Steve Berk. I flipped through the pages and found out where it was I needed to go. After I finished shopping I tried to find my way to an Express Men. After much turning around I ended up at "The Galleria" in downtown Houston. This place is HUGE. There are hundreds and hundreds of stores. They even have stores like Tiffanys jewlery and Saks 5th ave. After my shopping adventure I arrived back at my little apartment. My first project is a series of videos to illustrate points during a volunteer leaders training confrence. I worked on a few ideas last night and had a nice chat with Danielle before I headed off to bed. After work today I have to head back to JC Pennys to return the shirts and a pair of pants I bought. The shirts were way too big and the pants are pleated in front (not flat.. I like the flat fronts). I miss Danielle, seriously. We talked about how we should have just gotten married earlier then we are. I understand what she means, and I'm glad that our engagement is short. I can't wait for her to visit in Feburary. Until then, we'll just have to talk on the phone and miss eachother. So sad.

This is the living room/dining room/kitchen of my Apartment. I'll upload more pictures as I get them. 

This is the living room/dining room/kitchen of my Apartment. I'll upload more pictures as I get them. 

Dad in front of the Alamo 

The Alamo 

Dad and I in front of the Alamo 

Here I am in front of the Alamo!  

STUD! 

Dad grabbed this awesome sunrise 

Beautiful light streaming through the clouds 

Dowtown El Paso 

The two big studs 

Here I am in front of the Texas border! YEEHAW! Texas will NEVER be the same! 

This is the most awesome Coca Cola truck on the planet! I didn't get a shot of them, but there were about six little birds underneath the truck to keep dry. So cute. 

We ran into some rain on the way to Houston. Also pictured is "Rhonda" the GPS navigational system. She was invaluable. 

Dad driving from Fort Stockton to Houston. He looked like this the entire time. Didn't move. Really weird. 

Today marks my second day at Lakewood Church. Everything has gone really well so far. I've met all kinds of wonderful people and filled out all kinds of confusing paperwork. I arrived at my new apartment on the third and was really suprised. The apartments I'm staying at are fully furnished. It was ready for me to move in and live in (minus food). There is a pool, workout room, business room with computers and internet access, and gated entry. Unfortunatley, I don't have internet access in my room, so I brought my laptop to work so I can access my normal stuff. Today I'm going to be doing some planning for the future of the department. I like to think of it as my "Standards & Practices". I'm going to start working on forms, how I'll store my media, guidlines, etc. It's really awesome that I get to devleop this deparment in such a way that I'm comfortable working in. I'm not without supervision, but I'm not tied down either. The equipment list that I sent in was approved yesterday. My computer should be in the office in about a week. The other equipment might take a little longer. Once everything gets in I'll get setup and started it seems. I know that I'm going to have projects soon and I'm really looking forward to them. I've met some awesome people and I have a large opprotunity and adventure ahead of me. I guess I'll see what lies ahead. I really miss Danielle. Thankfully she'll be visiting in February. We have to figure out where to put her and how she'll get around. I know she doesn't like the idea of staying with someone she knows, so we have the option of a hotel or with me. If she stays with me we'll need someone around to keep us accountable. I know we won't do anything innapropriate but it's always good to be above reproach. One way or another, we'll figure it out and I can't wait to see her.

There will be no post for tonight because Dad only has around 20 hours a month on dial-up. I'll hopefully post tomorrow if I'm no so tired from driving to Houston. Lots to talk about!

Today Dad and I drove around 350 miles. We left from Palm Desert in California and have landed gracefully (yet manly) in Tuscon, Arizona. We made some excellent time once I-10 left the city and we got into some open road. The speed limit was around 75 mph, which was excellent. When we arrived in Tuscon we unloaded then quickly found the nearest steak house. We went to a great place called "Pinnacle Peak". Dad and I both ordered the "Cowboy Steak". I finished everything off with a nice cherry cobbler with ice cream. Tasty! The idea that I'll be working at my new job in four days is slowly seeping into my skin. It hasn't really "hit" me like a 2x4 or anything like that yet. The idea has been kind and gentle. I have a feeling that eventually someone will find me face down with "You're here" temporarly planted into my forehead with a giggling reality skipping away. I talked with Dad tonight in the hot tub about how I never went to college for what I am about to do. It's pretty amazing that I spent around 2 years at Action House and have been able to work at the largest church in the United States. I also talked with him about what interns have done with their training at Action House . Some choose to make a life out of their training, some choose to throw it all away. Tomorrow we'll be driving around 500 miles. We'll end up in Fort Stockton, Texas!! Yes, TEXAS! When we arrive there we'll only be half way to our location. Crazy! Then the day after that I arrive in Houston. I'll meet up with Wendell (my future supervisor) at the "Kirby Luxury Apartments". The next day I'll be working at Lakewood church! Until then, I'm going to get some sleep because we have a long drive tomorrow. I miss Danielle.

Dad took this pic of me in the room we are currently staying in at the Residence Inn in Tuscon. We just got back from a great meal at a steak house then the spa. I look like a DORK in this picture! 

We drove by a truck carrying about six semi trucks without the backs on them. When we were driving behind them it looked like there was only one and that it was going to fall off and fly through the windshield. Scary stuff! 

This mountain was jetting into the cloads. It looked like a castle in the clouds 

We had some beautiful mountains to look at on our drive. 

This is the Arizona state line. Without us. How sad. 

Dad and I at the Arizona state line. Lookin' GOOD! 

Today we woke up around 7 am. Dad and I were pretty tired because we spent our New Years totally sleeping! WOOO! After a quick shower, we'll head down for breakfast then take off. Today we drive to Tuscon Arizona from Palm Desert California. It's approxmiatley 378 miles and should take about six or seven hours. Watch out I-10, here we come!